Luna stood before me, panting, her delicate face flushed yet still undeniably beautiful. I gave a slight nod, and she immediately gestured for me to follow. So, like a dutiful young master with a guilty conscience, I did.
No doubt, I was being summoned because of the little incident that happened between Silvia and me. I sighed dramatically. Well… that can't be helped. Actions have consequences, especially if you're born into a prestigious family with a talent for causing trouble.
As we walked down the marble halls, my mind drifted to the distant echoes of childhood—memories of my father and our complicated little family.
My father, Charles Ashton, was a man of great power and greater patience—especially with someone like me. In my younger years, I was, to put it gently... an absolute brat. Ungrateful, reckless, and talented at getting into trouble. And yet, the old man still covered for me, time and time again. Though, I do remember the last straw rather vividly—he gave me one good slap on the butt that made me rethink my life choices for a week straight.
I also had two older sisters: Selena and Karina.
Selena—the cold beauty with raven-black hair and piercing blue eyes—looked like a noble ice sculpture that had decided to walk and talk. She had the elegance of a winter storm and the warmth of one too.
Karina, on the other hand, had crimson-red eyes and blue hair, making her look like a walking contradiction and possibly a fashion disaster... but somehow she pulled it off with royal flair. She was the fiery one—passionate, loud, and weirdly obsessed with collecting knives.
We used to be close, the three of us. Or so my childhood memories tell me. Though honestly, most of them are a little foggy—like someone spilled tea over my mental photo album.
I shrugged it off just as we arrived at the door to my father's study—a luxurious room filled with old books, polished dark wood, and the heavy scent of incense. Luna, being the smart girl she was, bowed out immediately. No one wants to stick around to watch a scolding—especially not from a patriarch.
I stepped inside.
Before my second foot even touched the ground, the thunder rolled.
"YOU UNGRATEFUL BRAT! THE ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN THE ELEAN AND ASHTON FAMILIES ALMOST FELL APART BECAUSE OF YOU!"
Ah. There it is.
I looked at him calmly. My dear old father—an 8-Star powerhouse whose name alone could make kingdoms pause—was absolutely livid.
Though... if I'm being honest, even at 8-Star, his strength was laughable compared to mine in my past life. Still, I played my role well: lowered my head, stared at the floor, and gave my best impression of a remorseful chicken.
He had black hair like mine, but his eyes were blood-red—a detail that only added to his terrifying aura. Age had caught up with him a little, but his presence still demanded respect. Or at least decent acting.
"You and Silvia Elean will go on a date. Two days from now. No excuses. And if you mess this up again—" His voice cracked like gravel, leaving no room for argument.
He waved his hand in dismissal. I took that as my cue and left immediately. Huh. That was actually shorter than I expected. I'd braced myself for a lecture, maybe even tears.
A date with Silvia, huh? I smirked. Why not? A little romance sounds... refreshing. Beats cultivating until my bones creak.
Back in my room, I called for Luna. "Thirty dishes," I said like a true noble glutton. Luna blinked in disbelief but nodded with a resigned sigh, her mind clearly racing through kitchen logistics.
While she was off preparing enough food to feed a small army, I sat down and began cultivating.
Cultivation Realms, as I remember them:
Qi Refinement
Foundation Establishment
Core Formation
Nascent Soul
Divinity Transformation
Dao Palace Realm
Void Realm
Immortal Ascension
In my past life, I stood at the brink of Immortal Ascension. That was the day the heavens sent a tribulation—and the mortals sent betrayal. I fought them all alone.
Just as I began channeling my energy, a small coughing sound interrupted me.
Right.
The squirrel.
I blinked at the small, fluffy creature lounging in the corner of the room like it paid rent. It sighed, clearly disappointed in its current situation.
"You want a contract?" I asked casually.
The squirrel hesitated, clearly offended, but nodded. It was a reluctant yes—as if it would rather eat its own tail than become anyone's pet. But a contract between a cultivator and a spiritual beast is mutually beneficial. If the beast has useful skills or spells, I can access them too.
So, we cut our fingers and formed the pact. I immediately felt a rush of connection—as if our souls were tied together. I could sense its powers now. Enhancement skills. Not bad. Not flashy either, but solid.
"Go scout the outside," I ordered.
The squirrel obeyed. It was small, soft, and honestly kind of adorable. If word got out, it might become the most sought-after pet in the kingdom. If only it wasn't so grumpy.
A few hours later, I broke through to Foundation Establishment.
I stretched and yawned. Not bad for a body that's still shaking off the noble-couch-potato lifestyle.
At this stage, I could probably hold my own against a mid-tier 3-Star cultivator. Not bad for a lazy day.
Just then, a mental Conversation
"Master, a girl is approaching your room."
"Let her in," I responded mentally.
A moment later, Luna entered, balancing a tray stacked with dishes. She looked utterly exhausted—her emerald eyes tired, her apron stained with effort.
She placed the tray of food and turned to leave... when she spotted the squirrel. Her eyes lit up like lanterns on festival night.
She tried her best not too be so comfortable and suppress her desire too catch it and pet it but can't help herself
She reached out to pet it—only to miss completely and smack her forehead on the table. The sound was solid. The squirrel stared. I stared. Luna rubbed her reddening forehead.
Then i chuckled i was very amuse how clumsy she was and at the same time cute
Luna turned bright red. Absolutely adorable. I had to resist the overwhelming urge to squeeze her cheeks.
"Can I pet it?" she asked, eyes pleading like a child at a candy stall.
She did work hard... I nodded and sent a mental message to the squirrel.
"Stay. Let her pet you. Or else."
The squirrel stiffened. Its tail twitched in protest, but it didn't run.
Luna gently stroked its fur, smiling like a flower in bloom. She looked genuinely happy—like she'd always wanted a pet but never had the chance. She glanced at me.
Her thoughts were practically written on her faal Maybe the young master isn't the cold-hearted brute everyone says he is... maybe he's just a little awkward.
I said nothing. Just smiled and took a bite of food.
Maybe this second life won't be so bad after all.